A Story Etched in Time, Water, and Community

 

Holywells Park is far more than just 67 acres of beautiful green space; it’s a living museum, a natural oasis, and the backdrop to countless Ipswich memories. Its story began centuries ago, with roots so deep that Stone Age tools and Roman coins have been unearthed here. The park’s name hints at its most vital feature: the series of pure, natural springs that rise within its grounds.

For centuries, this was the land of the Bishops of Norwich. But it was the famous Cobbold brewing dynasty in the 18th and 19th centuries that truly shaped its identity. They harnessed the park's crystal-clear spring water, shipping it to their Harwich brewery before establishing a brewery at the nearby Cliff Quay. They built the grand Holywells House (sadly lost to time in the 1960s) and its elegant Stable Block – the very building our cafe now calls home. The park's cascading ponds, once captured on canvas by the famous artist Thomas Gainsborough, are a legacy of this era.

In 1935, in an incredible act of generosity, the estate was gifted to the people of Ipswich by Lord Woodbridge, and it has been a cherished public park ever since.

 

Fun Facts & Hidden Secrets

 

Every corner of Holywells Park has a secret to share. It’s a place of fascinating contrasts, where manicured gardens meet wild meadows.

• A Wildlife Haven: It’s a designated County Wildlife Site and home to an astonishing variety of life. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded here, including the dazzling kingfisher. Keep an eye out for stag beetles, and listen for bats on a summer evening.

• The Toad Tunnel: A special tunnel was built under Cliff Lane to help toads safely cross the road to their historic breeding grounds between Holywells and Landseer parks!

• Echoes of the Past: The children’s play area is situated around a large moated site, which is likely where the Bishop of Norwich would have stayed during his visits to Suffolk centuries ago.

• A Carpet of Blue: Visit in late spring and you’ll be treated to one of Ipswich’s most magical sights: a breathtaking carpet of native bluebells in the ancient woodlands.

 

The Friends of Holywells Park

 

The vibrant community spirit you feel today is passionately championed by the Friends of Holywells Park. Established in 2001, this dedicated group of volunteers works tirelessly to protect and enhance the park. They are the guardians of its heritage and the organisers of many of its most beloved events.

From the fun of the annual Apple Day, celebrating the park's own orchard, to the ancient tradition of the Wassail, the Friends group helps connect the community to the park's history and seasons. They are an essential part of what makes Holywells such a special and well-loved place for everyone.